Know your Fire Fighters

Jamie Brock

Driving a fire truck is just another day at the office for Fire Fighter Jamie Brock, known to all as Brockie.  Always having worked in, on and around big machines he is often seen at the wheel of the fire truck on an emergency call out and easily becomes pump operator when he gets to the scene.
 
Born in Rotorua, his family moved to several places around the country as farmers.  Brockie took up shepherding and ran his own dogs before working as a mechanic at Gough’s in Palmerston North.  He moved with his family Martinborough 11 years ago and now is employed by Pakohe Agriculture based in Ruakokopatuna.  He drives and maintains tractors doing contract work for farmers all around the Wairarapa.
 
Having been recruited in the Brigade 7 years ago, he attended recruit training in Kilbirnie where the heat in the Realistic Fire Training Building got the better of his helmet, melting the shield.  Good training he says for potentially the heat that could be experienced at real calls.
 
He has two boys, six year old CJ and younger brother Sean. Right now spring time farm contracting leaves little time for hunting and fishing while rugby and dirt bike riding he says he now leaves for the younger generation.
 
Longest fire callout was at John Donald’s Barn fire where the 8 hour job required his driving skills on tractor to move hay bales.
 
The brigade isn’t for everyone and anyone thinking of giving it a try needs to come with an open mind about what is expected and be prepared for some hard work. However, the camaraderie and big family feeling among the members is what makes it worthwhile.